Bainbridge, Indiana Public Records

Registration must occur at least 29 days before an election to participate in that contest. The process requires an Indiana driver's license or state identification number, or the last four digits of a Social Security number. State law mandates voters present valid photo ID when voting in person - an Indiana driver's license, state ID, U.S. Passport, military ID, or other approved government-issued identification. As an unincorporated community, the town doesn't hold municipal elections for mayor or council. Instead, residents participate in county, state, and federal elections, with local representation through the Putnam County Board of Commissioners (three members serving four-year terms), the Putnam County Council (seven members handling fiscal matters), and the Monroe Township Board and Trustee. Township elections typically align with presidential or midterm cycles depending on the specific office. Voters can locate their assigned polling place through the Indiana Voter Portal at https://indianavoters. gov, where entering an address reveals precinct number, polling location with address and hours, sample ballots, and elected officials. The county operates multiple precincts within each township, with local voters assigned to Monroe Township precincts at locations such as schools or community buildings. Indiana provides substantial public access to election records under state law. Voter registration lists are available for purchase through the Putnam County Clerk's Office or the Indiana Secretary of State, though commercial use is prohibited. Campaign finance reports for county office seekers are filed with the Putnam County Clerk's Office and open for public inspection, while state and federal candidates file with the Indiana Election Division or Federal Election Commission. Candidate declarations and petitions for county positions are also public records available at the Clerk's Office. Precinct-level election results are published by the County Election Board after each contest and posted on the Indiana Secretary of State's elections website at https://www. gov/sos/elections. In the November 2024 presidential election, Putnam County reported voter turnout around 65-70% of registered voters, consistent with historical patterns in this reliably Republican county, with detailed precinct results available through the Clerk and state elections division. The November 3, 2026 midterm election will bring several significant races to local voters. Indiana's U.S. Senate seat currently held by Todd Young won't appear on the ballot (next election 2028), but all nine U.S. House seats will be contested, with the area located in Indiana's 4th Congressional District. The Governor's office also won't be on the ballot in 2026 (next gubernatorial election was 2024), but several statewide offices including Secretary of State, Auditor, and Treasurer typically appear in midterm cycles. Indiana General Assembly elections will include all 100 seats in the House of Representatives (two-year terms) and half of the 50 Senate seats (four-year staggered terms), with residents participating in their respective state legislative districts. County-level races in 2026 are expected to include some County Council seats, possibly County Assessor, Surveyor, or Coroner depending on term cycles, and Monroe Township Trustee and Board positions. Voters should check with the Putnam County Clerk closer to the election for certified candidate lists and ballot information. Indiana offers several voting options beyond Election Day in-person voting. Absentee voting by mail is available to any registered voter without requiring an excuse. Voters can request an absentee ballot application from the Putnam County Clerk's Office or download the application from the Secretary of State's website at https://www. gov/sos/elections. Applications must reach the Putnam County election office no later than 11 days before Election Day. Voted absentee ballots must be received by the Putnam County election office by noon on Election Day to be counted - postmark date doesn't matter. The state also offers early in-person voting at the Putnam County Clerk's Office and designated satellite locations beginning 28 days before Election Day and continuing through noon the day before Election Day, with extended hours in the final weeks including some evening and weekend availability. Residents seeking assistance with voter registration, absentee ballots, or polling place information should contact the Putnam County Clerk's Office at (765) 653-2648 or visit https://indianavoters. gov.